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New Heights Receives Prestigious Robert Woods Johnson Foundation Sports Award

RWJF Recognizes New Heights as a Sports Leader Building a Culture of Health

New Heights is thrilled to be one of ten organizations that have been selected as 2022 winners of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Sports Award.

Since 2015, this award has recognized professional sports teams, athletes, coaches, and community-based organizations that use sports to catalyze and sustain changes to make communities healthier places to live, learn, work, and play. RWJF lifts up organizations that bring a deep understanding of community needs and acknowledge the power of sports to connect us and make us healthier, no matter our race, gender, abilities, or economic background. This award program will be coming to a close this year.

Click here to see the announcement!

New Heights uses basketball as a “hook” to engage youth, help them access high quality educational opportunities, and instill in them the values and life skills that will prepare them for success in life beyond sports.

“On behalf of our Board, staff and especially our student-athletes, thank you to the RWJF for recognizing the important work we do at New Heights to help young people develop the academic and athletic skills to support physical and mental health throughout their lives. We are deeply honored to receive the RWJF Sports Award, which comes at a critical time as we expand our programs and our organization to ultimately reach thousands of additional youth and families in Brooklyn and throughout New York City.”

—Ted Smith, Executive Director



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BK Reader: James Harden Hosts Basketball Clinic in BK to Celebrate Nets and Adidas Partnership

The Brooklyn Nets and Adidas announced a partnership geared at growing youth basketball

More than 130 young people flocked to Bedford Union Armory on Monday to get tips and tricks from Nets star James Harden.

The clinic was held in celebration of a new multiyear partnership between the Brooklyn Nets and Adidas that is centered around connecting with young people through basketball. The newly-named Brooklyn Nets Basketball Academy presented by Adidas aims to grow the game on a grassroots level throughout Brooklyn and beyond.

“This is something I’ve been missing in this last year and a half since the pandemic. Just to be in front of these kids means a lot to me,” Harden said.

“I was in their position, just a kid trying to figure out life and basketball helped me do that. Hopefully I can inspire them to be great.”

The youth academy was founded in 2016 and has since welcomed more than 30,000 kids to over 450 events while working with more than of 225 community partners, ultimately reaching 60,000 people, the Nets said.

As part of the partnership, Adidas will become the preferred merchandise and equipment provider for all of the academy’s programs and select James Harden adidas apparel will also be available for Nets fans to purchase in the team store.

John Abbamondi, CEO of Nets and Barclays Center parent company BSE Global, said the companies were “thrilled to advance our shared commitment to growing grassroots basketball through the Brooklyn Nets Basketball Academy.”

 “The Academy teaches children many important life lessons and yesterday’s clinic with James Harden was the beginning of our work with adidas to extend our community impact.”  

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NBA.COM: James Harden Surprised Youth Players at Brooklyn Nets Clinic

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By Tom Dowd

NETS ANNOUNCE NEW PARTNERSHIP FOR BROOKLYN NETS BASKETBALL ACADEMY PRESENTED BY ADIDAS

The Brooklyn Nets came out to support James Harden and the launching of the newly named Brooklyn Nets Basketball Academy presented by adidas at a Monday afternoon clinic in Brooklyn.

Harden surprised the 130 youth basketball players in attendance with his appearance, drawing a wave of cheers as a welcome upon his arrival. He was joined by Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center CEO John Abbamondi, general manager Sean Marks, head coach Steve Nash, and assistant coaches Adam Harrington and Royal Ivey.

“I love doing this, and then obviously whatever we went through in the pandemic I kind of lost sight of all of it, but now just being back outside and letting these kids feel my energy, I’m all for it,” said Harden. “They’re young and just to be in their presence it’s an unbelievable feeling. They get to come and work hard and listen to their coaches and then I get an opportunity to step on the court and teach them a little thing here and there. What more can you ask for?”

Voice of the Nets Olivier Sedra served as MC for the event, tipping things off with a Q&A session with Abbamondi and then with Harden, who personally signed a pair of sneakers for the participants in the event’s shooting contest.

All in attendance received a Brooklyn Nets Basketball Academy presented by adidas t-shirt and a ticket to Tuesday night’s game at Barclays Center against the New York Knicks.

“I feel like the youth is the next generation and they’re very special,” said Harden. “They need guidance. They need help. I feel like it’s part of my job to dish that out. Whatever way I can, whether it’s academies like this or other ways, just trying to dish the experience and the knowledge I have, dish out that hope. If I can try to put some hope in these kids, I feel like I’ve done my job.”

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Nets Daily: James Harden takes to Brooklyn gym to initiate Nets-Adidas youth partnership

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To celebrate the launch of a partnership between the Nets and adidas, the Brooklyn Nets Basketball Academy and James Harden hosted a clinic for more than 130 youth from six community organizations Monday at the Carey Gabay Recreational Complex not far from Barclays Center.

“This is something I’ve been missing in this last year and a half since the pandemic. Just to be in front of these kids means a lot to me,” said Harden. “I was in their position, just a kid trying to figure out life and basketball helped me do that. Hopefully I can inspire them to be great.”

He also tweeted out his excitement...

The Nets guard led a contingent of Nets staffers to the cavernous gym, part of the Major R. Owens Health & Wellness Community Center, the former Bedford Union Armory in Crown Heights.

He was joined by Nets CEO John Abbamondi, Sean Marks, Steve Nash, and assistant coaches Adam Harrington Royal Ivey and announcer Olivier Sedra.

Harden and teammates Cam Thomas, Bruce Brown and Day’Ron Sharpe all have personal endorsement deals with adidas.

Harden, now in his second season with Brooklyn, had been heavily involved with community efforts in Houston before the global pandemic hit and he was traded to the Nets. The partnership is another indication that the relationship between team and player remains strong. Harden is eligible for an extension come July,

The Nets and adidas multi-year partnership will be centered on growing the youth academy. The newly named “Brooklyn Nets Basketball Academy presented by adidas” will have the support of the global sports and lifestyle brand in a variety of ways, according to a statement released by BSE Global, the Nets parent company.

As part of the deal, adidas will become the preferred merchandise and equipment provider for all of the Academy’s programs. Select James Harden adidas apparel will also be available for Nets fans to purchase in the team store, Brooklyn Fanatics, at Barclays Center. Additionally, adidas and the Nets will create customized digital content featuring Harden and his future adidas Basketball footwear.

Julia Smith, who has three decades of coaching experience, has been a Head Clinician with the Academy for the last three years.

“They get really pumped,” said Smith of the kids that participate throughout the year. “It’s always pleasing to me. To get a kid that doesn’t play basketball and doesn’t get discouraged and didn’t give up, 100 percent those are the things that make our day.”

The Academy was founded in 2016 and since then it has welcomed more than 30,000 kids to over 450 events while working with upwards of 225 community partners, ultimately reaching 60,000 people.

“We are thrilled to partner with adidas and advance our shared commitment to growing grassroots basketball through the Brooklyn Nets Basketball Academy,” said Abbamondi. “The Academy teaches children many important life lessons and yesterday’s clinic with James Harden was the beginning of our work with adidas to extend our community impact.”

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The New York Carib News: Mayor de Blasio celebrates grand opening of Major R. Owens Health and Wellness Community Center

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Mayor de Blasio, New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), members of the Owens family, and elected leaders today celebrated the grand opening of the Major R. Owens Health and Wellness Community Center.

The state-of-the-art, 60,000 square-foot retrofitted drill shed will serve Crown Heights as a neighborhood recreation center, complete with a 25-meter, six-lane competitive swimming pool, basketball courts, and a multi-purpose court able to accommodate a wide variety of sports, including soccer and community programming.

“Investing in our people and communities, especially in ones that have often been overlooked, is how we build a recovery for all of us,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “The Major R. Owens Health and Wellness Community Center will provide New Yorkers a place to thrive and grow for generations to come.”

“The Major R. Owens Health and Wellness Center is a transformational project that exemplifies New York City’s commitment to providing historically underserved communities with critical resources for generations to come,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Vicki Been. “This center honors the legacy of Congressman Owens — a tireless advocate for the residents of Crown Heights. I want to thank all of the leaders who partnered together to help bring this vision to fruition as we continue to work towards a Recovery for All.”

“The Major R. Owens Health & Wellness Center is rooted in community and is for the community,” said NYCEDC President & CEO Rachel Loeb. “NYCEDC and our partners worked hard to deliver a recreational center that captured former Congressman Major Owens’ vision, a place where people of all ages, all walks of life and from different communities could come together and have access to critical services and programming that open doors to opportunity. Now, children, families and seniors can benefit from this center for years to come and be inspired when they walk inside. We thank the Mayor, the State, Majority Leader Cumbo, BFC Partners, the Community Advisory Committee, our nonprofits, and all who worked on and supported this project.”

“Congressman Major Owens had a vision for Central Brooklyn, and this new community resource makes real one part of that vision — providing Central Brooklyn’s communities with the world-class recreational and educational resources they deserve,” said Chris Owens, son of the late Congressman Major R. Owens. 

“The new Major R. Owens Health and Wellness Center will offer needed recreational and enrichment opportunities for the surrounding community. We have seen in the past year how young people in underserved areas can fall victim to cycles of violence when they are not given proper outlets, and Crown Heights was no exception. By ensuring local kids have a place to go, and effective youth programming at their fingertips, this center will ensure we are creating a safer, healthier Crown Heights for all residents. In particular, I am very proud to have allocated funding toward the new Brooklyn Pride Center headquarters inside the armory, which will be a critical resource for the borough’s LGTBQ+ community. I thank Majority Leader Laurie Cumbo and all the local stakeholders for ensuring this center serves the needs of the community,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.

“Former Congressman Major Robert Odell Owens committed his life to advocating for those who have been unfavorably impacted by unjust systems,” said Council Member and New York City Council Majority Leader Laurie Cumbo. “Whether it was speaking out on civil rights, disability rights, education rights, and furthermore, all aspects of social justice, he did so with conviction, compassion, clear vision, and he delivered. The Major R. Owens Health & Community Wellness Center is a reflection of years of dedication from Major Owens, and all those who were focused on the bigger picture both then and now, a testament to those who had the capacity to see how this space could support and enhance the rich and unique communities within Crown Heights and beyond. The hard work between BFC Partners, NYCEDC, Community Board 9, and my office has revived the Bedford Union Armory as the jewel of Crown Heights, and I look forward to all the generations who will learn, grow, and thrive within this great community.”

The wellness center is now open to the public. Standard memberships for the gym within the center cost $30 per month, while seniors and low-income adults below the 200% Federal Poverty Level can join for $10 per month and youth memberships are as little as $8 per month. Additionally, 50% of memberships will be discounted to $10 per month for residents who live in Community Board 9.

The Major Owens Center will also welcome a variety of tenants to provide the following services and community programming at an accessible rate. With 35,000 square feet of office space for nonprofits, members will have access to a number of Brooklyn community-based organizations that will be permanently housed at the Center, including the Boys’ Club of New York will be the operator of the gym at the Center, providing high quality and diverse programming to the community.

Other local groups offering classes and programs include Imagine Swimming, Inc.; New Heights Youth; Brooklyn Pride; Digital Girl, Inc.; Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy; Globall Sports Center; and Betty Carter Auditorium for the Arts (BCAA). The partners who operate classes, camps, and programs at the Major R. Owens Health & Wellness Community Center will work to ensure that their offerings are available to those across the Crown Heights community.

The Major Owens Center also has an onsite cogen plant, which will meet all of the project’s heating, cooling and electrical demand, effectively taking the entire 500,000 square-foot project off the ConEd grid, and providing safe haven to the community during brownouts or blackouts during periods of extreme heat.

Also part of the Major R. Owens Health and Wellness Community Center project is 415 units of housing, 60% of which will be much needed affordable housing for low income New Yorkers, as well as a 25,000 square-foot health center, run by Brooklyn Plaza Medical Center. These projects are expected to be completed by 2023.

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BK Reader: Excitement Fills Bedford Union Armory as Major Owens Community Center Officially Opens

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By Anna Bradley-Smith

The road may have been long and windy, but on Wednesday the Major R. Owens Health & Wellness Community Center officially opened its doors to the community.

In a ribbon-cutting ceremony that included African dance and drumming performances, blessings, speeches, many comments of congratulation and awe, the overwhelming sentiment was “we did it.”

The 60,000 square-foot armory building, formerly used to store cavalry and horses but which has been left in disrepair, has been retrofitted as a neighborhood recreation and community center, complete with a 25-meter, six-lane competitive swimming pool, basketball courts, and a multi-purpose court.

The center also includes 35,000 square feet of office space for nonprofits and is now a permanent home for Brooklyn Pride, Digital Girl, Inc., and Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy, and more. The Boys Club of New York will be the operator of the gym at the center, and Imagine Swimming, Inc., New Heights Youth and Globall Sports Center will offer classes to local members that include basketball, soccer, swimming, boxing and fencing.

The center also includes the Betty Carter Auditorium for the Arts (BCAA) and has a 25,000 square-foot health center, run by Brooklyn Plaza Medical Center.

The Major R. Owens Health and Wellness Community Center has had its share of controversy, centered mostly around whether the new development would be truly affordable to existing residents or would increase the tides of gentrification to the neighborhood.

As part of the deal to convert the City-owned armory into the recreational center and housing, residents were promised a share of affordable apartments and low-cost, accessible activities at the center.

To satisfy that requirement, BFC Partners, who developed the center, has said that Imagine Swimming will offer 9,000 lessons per year at $10 rather than $50; New Heights, which is the center’s basketball operator, will offer free or low cost basketball clinics and leagues; there will be 250 discounted memberships for Community Board 9 members; Globall Sports Center, which will operate the multi-sport synthetic turf, will run soccer clinics and lessons at $10 versus $50 per hour for Community Board 9 residents; amongst other community benefits.

Standard memberships for the gym within the center are $30 per month, while seniors and low-income adults below the 200% Federal Poverty Level can join for $10 per month and youth memberships are around $8 per month.

Councilmember Laurie Cumbo, who was instrumental in seeing the center come to life, has faced harsh criticism for her role in backing the project, but on Wednesday said the hard work that went into the development had revived the Bedford Union Armory “as the jewel of Crown Heights, and I look forward to all the generations who will learn, grow, and thrive within this great community.”

“Former Congressman Major Robert Odell Owens committed his life to advocating for those who have been unfavorably impacted by unjust systems,” she said.

“The Major R. Owens Health & Community Wellness Center is a reflection of years of dedication from Major Owens, and all those who were focused on the bigger picture both then and now, a testament to those who had the capacity to see how this space could support and enhance the rich and unique communities within Crown Heights and beyond.”

The $256 million project was completed in a partnership between the de Blasio administration, New York City Economic Development Corporation, members of the Owens family and Crown Heights community, and BFC Partners. It also includes 415 apartments, 260 of which will be affordable — set aside for families of three making up to $58,000 a year. Around 30 of those units are earmarked for formerly homeless individuals.

On Wednesday, Mayor Bill de Blasio reiterated one of the most important things in a community was having safe spaces for children to play and learn, and he congratulated Cumbo on her hard work and perservarance throughout the project

“Investing in our people and communities, especially in ones that have often been overlooked, is how we build a recovery for all of us,” he said.

“The Major R. Owens Health & Wellness Community Center will provide New Yorkers a place to thrive and grow for generations to come.”

Chris Owens, son of the late Congressman Major R. Owens, added: “Congressman Major Owens had a vision for Central Brooklyn, and this new community resource makes real one part of that vision — providing Central Brooklyn’s communities with the world-class recreational and educational resources they deserve.”

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Patch.com: Bedford Union Armory Community Center Opens In Crown Heights

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By Anna Quinn

CROWN HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN — The long-awaited — and often controversial — community center at the center of Crown Heights' Bedford Union Armory transformation has officially opened its doors to the public.

The building, now called the Major R. Owens Health and Wellness Community Center, celebrated its grand opening Wednesday with a ribbon cutting and activities in its new 60,000-square-foot facilities.

The opening comes four years after a hotly-debated deal between the city and developers BFC Partners to build the recreation center while converting part of the property into housing.

"The Major R. Owens Health & Community Wellness Center is a reflection of years of dedication from Major Owens, and all those who were focused on the bigger picture both then and now, a testament to those who had the capacity to see how this space could support and enhance the rich and unique communities within Crown Heights and beyond," said Council Member Laurie Cumbo, who spearheaded the deal.

"The hard work between BFC Partners, NYCEDC, Community Board 9, and my office has revived the Bedford Union Armory as the jewel of Crown Heights, and I look forward to all the generations who will learn, grow, and thrive within this great community."

The new community center includes a 25-meter, six-lane competitive swimming pool, basketball courts and a multi-purpose area to be used for a variety of sports and community programming. It also includes 35,000-square-feet of office space for nonprofits, including the Boys' Club of New York, who will operate the gym.

Price points for the center, unveiled earlier this fall, include $30 per month standard memberships and discounted $10 rates for seniors and 250 Community Board 9 members.

Opponents of the Bedford Union Armory project have long questioned whether the community center would be accessible to the neighborhood, where, as THE CITY reported, 45,000 people would qualify for those low-income memberships.

The community center will also offer a long list of classes through local organizations, including New Heights Youth, Brooklyn Pride, Digital Girl, Inc., Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy, Globall Sports Center, Betty Carter Auditorium for the Arts (BCAA) and Imagine Swimming, who will run the pool.

The residential portion of the Armory project, which will bring 415 homes, is expected to be completed by 2023. 250 of the units will be set aside as affordable.

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